Fellowships, Aid & Support

Many fellowships, scholarships and other assistance programs are available to students studying in the Trachtenberg School, from internal funding to sources including the broader GW options and external resources.

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Merit-Based Tuition Awards at the Trachtenberg School

All applications submitted by the February 1 deadline are automatically considered for partial-tuition merit aid and scholarships within the Trachtenberg School. No additional information is required for consideration. 

Minority-Serving Institution Award

Graduates from a select list of minority-serving institutions are eligible for an application fee waiver and a tuition award of at least 40 percent. Students who submit their application by February 1 will automatically be considered for this award.

PeaceCorps, AmeriCorps and Teach for America Alumni

Students who have completed the AmeriCorps, Peace Corps or Teach for America programs are eligible to receive a one-time award of $5,000.

Due to the large number of applicants who have this background, not every applicant will receive the award. In order to be considered, students should upload an addendum to their application stating alumni status and requesting financial aid consideration.

Additionally, these applicants may request a fee waiver for their application fee.

Grad2Grad

Through the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences' Grad2Grad program, recent graduates and seniors at GW may receive a 10 percent tuition discount for master’s level study at the Trachtenberg School. A separate Grad2Grad Fellowship enrollment form is required to receive this award.

Awards from the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF)

As members of the GW community, Trachtenberg School students also qualify for various grants and fellowships offered throughout the university.

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships provides information on funding opportunities at the master's and PhD levels, including:

• GW/McNair Fellowship: Intended for incoming students who were McNair Fellows in their undergraduate programs at other universities. Award may cover up to full-tuition.
• Scottish Rite Fellowship: If you or your parent or grandparent are/was part of a US Scottish Rite organization you are eligible. Award is $15,000 for full-time students and $7,500 for part-time students with priority given to those attending full-time.
• Walter Green Fellowship: Intended for students pursuing a career in public service or government who work in a paid job or internship related to their field of study in the DC Metro Area. Award is up to $6,000 for full-time students and up to $3,000 for part-time students.
• Wolcott Foundation Fellowship: Intended for students with outstanding academic, civic, and social credentials who are pursuing public service careers. Maximum award covers tuition and fees for 40 credit hours and requires 4 years of employment in federal, state, or local level government services upon graduation. ​

 

OGSAF also provides a database for external, private scholarships and fellowships. An example is the Marjorie Cook Scholars Program, which is available for female Maryland Residents pursuing a degree in public policy.

Loans and Financial Aid

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Many Trachtenberg School students take out loans to help finance part of their graduate tuition and living expenses. Often, these students qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), which is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service jobs in government or nonprofit organizations. Visit the Department of Education website to learn more.

Applying for Loans

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) oversees the processing of all loans for students who have been admitted to a GW graduate degree or approved graduate certificate program. Federal loan programs require U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and at least half-time attendance. Private Alternative Loans are available to supplement other sources of aid. Instructions for applying for these different types of loans are provided online. To have a loan processed before classes begin, all application materials must be on file in the Office of Student Financial Assistance by:

• Fall Semester: May 1
• Spring Semester: October 1
• Summer Semester: March 1

A FAFSA form and a graduate loan questionnaire are required for all graduate students applying for federal aid. GW requires a loan questionnaire for all graduate students applying for any type of loan including additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS or private alternative loans. Please visit GW Student Accounts for a complete Graduate Student Checklist.

In addition, OSFA provides assistance to students applying for aid including helping you calculate your cost of attendance, eligibility for financial aid, and completing the FASFA and GW loan questionnaire.

 

Browse More External Fellowships

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Veteran Benefits

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to use their Veterans Administration Benefits to help fund a degree at the Trachtenberg School. GW has been recognized by the Military Times as a Veteran-friendly school.

Active-duty personnel, veterans and dependents of veterans may be entitled to varying educational benefits. To be eligible, veterans must have completed at least one year of active service in the U.S. Armed Forces, unless discharged under honorable conditions for medical reasons.

The George Washington University is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is meant to supplement Post-9/11 GI Bill funds. A number of other tuition, living and book assistance programs are available as well.

Please contact the GW Office of Military and Veteran Student Services for more information and guidance through applying for these benefits.

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International Students

General Funding Information

International students who wish to pursue a degree at the Trachtenberg School are encouraged to contact the GW International Services Office (ISO) for guidance on many topics including funding your education, finding housing in the D.C. area and transitioning to life at GW. Students may find particularly helpful the Step Into the World brochure (PDF).

Global Leaders Award

The Global Leaders Award is offered through the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and provides a renewable tuition award of up to $10,000 per academic year to eligible international applicants. To qualify, applicants must be: citizens of one of the countries eligible for this initiative; studying on an F-1 visa; and be admitted to and enroll in a CCAS master’s program. To be considered for this award, an applicant must be a citizen of one of the following countries:

• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Ghana
• India
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Mexico
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Turkey
• Vietnam